House of Commons · Westminster Hall
18 June 2025 · 13 other contributors · 8,962 words
Opened by Rachel Blake Labour (Co-op) Cities of London and Westminster
Responding minister: Mr Hamish Falconer
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Rachel Blake raised concerns about political prisoners in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should include Jimmy Lai’s release in any trade negotiations and international meetings with Chinese counterparts. The Prime Minister must meet Sebastien Lai to discuss his father's case and use every lever at their disposal to secure Mr Lai's safe return.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Jimmy Lai has been detained abroad since December 2020, with the UN ruling his detention unlawful and arbitrary. His health deteriorates in solitary confinement due to extreme heat, and he faces unjust legal proceedings against national security and sedition charges.
Supports Tony Vaughan’s call for redoubled efforts on Jimmy Lai's case, emphasising the broader implications for international agreements and human rights guarantees.
Discussed Jimmy Lai's case and called for more detailed updates from the Government regarding conversations with Chinese counterparts, questioning the effectiveness of high-profile visits and requesting a review on consular support.
Mr Rand highlighted the case of Jimmy Lai, focusing on his health and the fear among Hong Kong diaspora communities. He urged the Government to adopt new strategies for securing his release.
Commended Rachel Blake for her efforts and highlighted the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British national arbitrarily detained in India since 2017 on political charges carrying the death penalty.
Asked if Rachel Blake would add that the Government needs to form a coalition of international Governments to put pressure on China to release Jimmy Lai.
Congratulates Rachel Blake on securing the debate and suggests that honorary citizenship could be granted to Jimmy Lai, similar to Canada's initiative. Emphasises the need for using all possible levers to secure Mr Lai’s freedom. Asked about the impact of international support for detainees like Jimmy Lai, noting that even extensive backing does not seem to change outcomes. Inquired about practical steps that could be taken in addition to warm words, specifically for Jimmy Lai's case.
Raises concerns about Jimmy Lai's inhumane treatment, including denial of religious freedom and medical care. Advocates for the full weight of British authority to secure his release. Asked the Minister about Jimmy Lai's right to religious worship and his freedom of belief.
Commended all participants and highlighted the human rights issues faced by detainees like Jimmy Lai and Jagtar Singh Johal.
Supports the debate on Jimmy Lai but also raises Ryan Cornelius' case, an individual incarcerated for 17 years in the UAE without legal basis. Urges the Foreign Office to raise this issue regardless of business deals.
Supports Rachel Blake and expresses concern over Jimmy Lai’s continued detention under China's national security law, denied access to independent medical treatment, and calls for his immediate release based on the UN working group's opinion.
Mr Roca discussed state hostage taking and arbitrary detention in general terms, referencing cases of Ryan Cornelius, Jagtar Singh Johal, Alaa Abd El-Fattah, and Jimmy Lai. Stressed the need for urgency and assertiveness in dealing with cases of arbitrary detention, advocating for cultural changes within the FCDO and a special envoy focused on releases.
Commends Rachel Blake for securing the debate and highlights Jimmy Lai's deteriorating health conditions, lack of independent medical care, and inhumane treatment. Urges China to respect international agreements.
Ms Juss spoke about Jagtar Singh Johal's case, emphasizing international human rights breaches and urging the Government to use diplomatic channels for his release.
Government Response
Mr Hamish FalconerThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
The Government remain gravely concerned about Jimmy Lai’s politically motivated prosecution. They have called on Beijing to repeal the national security law and end prosecutions under it. The Prime Minister has raised Mr Lai's case with President Xi, and other ministers, including the Foreign Secretary and Chancellor, have done so regularly. Our diplomats have attended his trial to show support. The Government will continue to raise Jimmy Lai’s detention with their Chinese counterparts. Addressed concerns regarding consular assistance in cases of human rights violations. Mentioned the appointment of a special envoy to work with families on complex detention cases. Emphasised ongoing engagement at high levels for the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah and expressed concern over Laila's hospitalisation.